Here are the products I use to clean and disinfect my massage practice space. If you have questions or concerns about any of them or would like to look up further information about these or other products available for cleaning and disinfecting I have included links to further information about them below. If you have allergies or sensitivities to these products or their ingredients, please let me know and I will find alternatives or plan not to use a product of concern prior to your session.
The following list of cleaners and disinfectants are supported by evidence following drug review, in demonstrating that they are likely to be effective and may be used against SARS-CoV-2, (the coronavirus that causes COVID-19). Some products like Germosolve 5 were included on Health Canada's list of approved disinfectants (for COVID-19) but don't constitute an endorsement by Health Canada.
GERMOSOLVE 5 - All-In-One Solution (Din # 02425807) - This product is virucidal, bactericidal, pseudomonicidal. Effectively kills staphyloccus, klebsiella pneumoniae, norovirus, rhinovirus, H1N1 influenza A (swine flu), parvovirus and is an effective disinfectant against staphylococcus aureus, salmonella enterica, MRSA, MDR, HIV-1, HBV and HCV. It is also on Health Canada's list of approved hard surface disinfectants with evidence for use against COVID-19. I use this product to clean and disinfect the bare massage table (before placing clean linens), on chairs and in the washroom, as well as all touch surfaces such as light switches, benches, hooks, and doorknobs. I do not spray this on linens or anything that may have prolonged contact with skin. Active ingredients: Benzalkonium Chloride; Alkyl Dimethyl Ethylbenzyl Ammonium Chloride.
Galenova Inc. Anti-Septic Hand Gel (NPN # 80098186) - Active ingredient is 70% Isopropyl Alcohol. Effective for killing harmful bacteria and germs. I use this to re-clean my hands during transitions within the massage session. This gel requires 30 seconds to work effectively and evaporate. I will be making the massage client comfortable, placing pillows and adjusting covers, not touching the client's skin while it is on my hands. Removing excess with a towel after 30 seconds. There are basic alcohol-based hand sanitizers available in the waiting area and entrance for client use.
BM1000 Deluxe Anti-bacterial Hand Soap (DIN# 02138859) - High-quality anti-bacterial hand soap. Most effective when washing hands for 30 seconds or more. (Of particular note, while this soap is not explicitly anti-viral, the coronavirus's protective membrane breaks down and comes apart and washes away with regular soap and water when exposed to at least 20 seconds of soapy handwashing. So I wash my hands and arms for a good minute just to be thorough.
These antiseptic/antibacterial skin cleansers and hand sanitizers meet Health Canada's requirements and are authorized for sale in Canada but do not constitute an endorsement by Health Canada. Listing the products that I use here is for transparency purposes, to safeguard the health of my clients who may have sensitivities, but I am not promoting or endorsing these products either. This list will be updated periodically as new information becomes available.
LYSOL All-In-One (DIN# 02279177) - Aerosol disinfectant spray. Kills 99.99% of viruses and bacteria and over 100 illness-causing germs. This I use to disinfect curtains, doorknobs, doors, light switches, garbage cans and other high touch surfaces. The CDC studied the effectiveness of Lysol to kill coronavirus on non-porous surfaces and found that it was effective after two minutes. So I tend to spray this and leave it to work until it evaporates and or wipe down later. Active ingredients: Alkyl Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Saccharinate; Alcohol Anhydrous
Hypo-allergenic Laundry Detergent * can vary - ask about if concerned about sensitivity *
Clorox Bleach - I use this diluted to clean the uncovered surfaces, the waiting room, and the washroom. A solution containing bleach (0.1% to 0.5% dilution of sodium hypochlorite), The dilution is prepared: one part bleach to nine parts water, and needs to be prepared daily.
Pine-Sol Multi-Surface Cleaner & Disinfectant - Used to clean the floors. (Contains 1.75% Glycolic Acid ) Kills 99.9% of germs and viruses.
Rubbing Alcohol 70% & 90% - This is what I clean my electronics and stylus with.
I also use vinyl gloves for cleaning and disinfecting certain key items to maintain their sterility before use, and to dress the massage table with clean linens.
References and further information:
Covid-19 Surface Cleaning Questions and Answers from Institut National de la Santé publique du Québec (National Institute of Public Health of Québec (INSPQ)
COVID-19: Hierarchy of Control Measures in the Workplace - Preventive Measures in the Workplace from: Institut National de la Santé publique du Québec (National Institute of Public Health of Québec (INSPQ)
COVID-19: Interim Recommendations for Private Practice Therapeutic Care (e.g., chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage therapists, osteopaths, etc.) from Institut National de la Santé publique du Québec (National Institute of Public Health of Québec (INSPQ) June 1, 2020
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